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With the liberalization of all the worship in the roman empire decreed by the first Christian emperor Constantine in 312 BC, underground Rome became apparently a labyrinth, though really its plan is more intelligible and simple than that of other old italian cities.
Archaeologists are always excited by a newly discovered artworks but it's interesting to point out here that underground Rome is not only the result of an intentional work done by its ancient inhabitants but also the result of the destruction operated by the nature with its floods and earthquakes. Why Rome has underground levels ? Over the last 2,800 years tunnels have been excavated for both economic and funerary purposes. In addition, there were underground springhouses, cisterns, drains, houses, villas and churches.Many underground cavities are mentioned in historical records, but just as many were buried and forgotten after the destruction that accompanied earthquakes, fires and invasions.
Our 3 hours private day tour of Rome will focus its attention on the 2 monuments of san Clemente basilica and of the
Roman houses on the Caelian Hill: both of these complexes are located near the roman Colosseum.
San Clemente is not only a fascinating church to visit for its decoration and early Christian remains, but also for its underground levels that are related to the first century AD, when the intentional fire ordered by the emperor Nero took place in Rome. This wonderful church of Rome stands at the foot of the northern slope of the Caelian Hill, a short walk from the Colosseum and the parco Oppio. Once you get down at the bottom level you can see a roman house called "Insula" of the imperial period separated by the Mint of ancient Rome built by the last of the Flavian family, Domitian. In the early 3d century AD the inner courtyard of the insula was turned into a Mithraeum, which is the only pagan sanctuary dedicated to Mithra Sun- god visible in Rome today without any reservation or booking in advance.
Rich roman families owned beautiful domus in Rome's green areas. Texts mention some of them, and archaeological excavations have enabled them to be brought to light. Literary and epigraphic evidence shows that the great senatorial domus were situated mainly in the hills surrounding the Capitol and the Palatine. After having visited san Clemente the tour will continue through the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Romans who had served Constantine II and were beheaded by his anti-Christian successor, Julian, for refusing to serve in his court. The church was built over their houses.
WALKING TOUR OF UNDERGROUND ROME ( 3 HOURS )
PRIVATE TOUR
PEOPLE COST FROM 1 TO 2 PEOPLE 180 EURO IN TOTAL FROM 3 TO 5 PEOPLE 80 EURO PER PERSON FROM 6 TO 10 PEOPLE 70 EURO PER PERSON
THE PRICE INCLUDES
fluent english speaking private tour guide for 3 hours THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
taxi transportation from your hotel entrance fees SPECIFICATIONS
- tour payments will be in cash euro.
- The tour does not operate on Tuesdays and on Wednesdays